“Boys of Summer” is a literal title

“Life is sweet,” as coach Vernon Isabella would say, which is certainly true for Curaçao Little League baseball.

The documentary “Boys of Summer” sheds light on how a small Caribbean island continually produces powerhouse youth teams. The film chronicles the country’s 2008 version of wide-eyed hopefuls as they attempt to make it to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa., for a remarkable eighth straight year.

Despite the tropical backdrop and generally upbeat soundtrack, you quickly learn that Curaçao isn’t always fun in the sun. An early scene shows some of the players at their last day of school before summer break, with the teacher telling them to enjoy their “vacation.” A look on one of the player’s faces seems to suggest that he may not get the chance.

And that’s the theme of the movie: Baseball is a way of life for these kids – and the adult figures around them – for better or worse.

Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? But unlike in the United States, you get the sense that Little League is a source of national pride for Curaçao. For instance, the country’s prime minister speaks to the boys at a special banquet before the Caribbean Championships. Stateside, on the other hand, arguably the greatest sports team ever had to wait more than 25 years to meet the Commander in Chief.

Saddled with the expectations of a nation, these preteens deserve credit for acting like true professionals – literally, in some cases. They’re media darlings – comfortable in front of microphones and on talk shows, blending polished answers with the kind of off-the-cuff remarks that make headlines. In one interview session, Juremi, the star of the team, gives cliché, vanilla responses (think Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett). Meanwhile Dennis, the team’s brash jokester, isn’t exactly diplomatic, saying that LLWS nemesis Japan “better watch out” this year.

They follow the example of Coach Isabella, nicknamed “Triple A” by local media, who notes while he never played in the majors, he carries himself as if he’s a big league coaching great like Bobby Cox or Joe Torre. (I don’t think it’s a coincidence Isabella mentioned Cox, who managed prominent Curaçao products Jair Jurrjens and Andruw Jones with the Atlanta Braves.)

Until they reach Williamsport, things come easy to Curaçao. Seeing one player’s situation, however, makes those wins seem not as feel-good.

Junters is the team’s best pitcher – an 11-year-old who can throw faster than 70 mph! This comes with a cost. It’s tough watching the young ace get his shoulder iced down after hurting it while throwing curveballs. I’m no doctor, but that can’t be good for a boy at that age, especially one with aspirations to someday be a pro ballplayer.

The only extras on the DVD are some deleted scenes that add background to the story. One that sticks out centers around the wise and eccentric Frank Curiel, Coach Isabella’s mentor and essentially the “founder” of baseball in Curaçao. Curiel is so passionate about the sport that he lives in the small building behind the backstop of the team’s practice field.

If you don’t mind subtitles throughout, “Boys of Summer” is a rare, interesting look at the ups and downs of youth sports.